Survey

This week in classed we discussed a new type of research method--survey's.  This type of quantitative research is the most popular in the industry.  Its typically inexpensive and allows you to easily get data, access a large amount of people quickly, and then can simply analyze the information.  What's great about survey's is that in an instant you can get a sample of people that are geographically and culturally diverse.  Different data collection methods include mail, telephone, online and in person surveys.  Not one particular method is nessecarily the best--they all exhibit pro's and cons. 

In the fashion industry I can undoubtedly see how survey's would be resourceful.  In order to find out information about your target audience a survey would be perfect.  On a daily basis, designers are trying to find out about if their consumers are liking the pieces they design, if they are useful, or if there are certain defects such as the way it is worn doesn't always work out.  Survey's give designers the ability to learn about their customers in a way that doesn't put them under any pressure.  They can fill out a survey, answering whatever questions the designers want to know, but won't feel forced to hold back or answer any questions in any certain way.  It give's them an edge, while costing minimal amounts for the designer, but at the same time they will be able to gain a whole sort of knowledge on what they need to know.

Tommy Hilfiger, American fashion designer, started out at the young age of 18 designing jeans.  Today his line offers a whole lot more than what the designer once offered.  He has completely redesigned his notably classic looks for something still classy but a little edgier.  Survey's very well may have helped Hilfiger during this process.  The designer easily could have sent out survey's to his usual target's finding out the type of classic clothing that they would be willing to purchase with a new design to it.